We just completed a series on self-deception. Which was complex enough. But I would be remiss if I did not spend time focusing on another source of deception –– our adversary –– the devil. I’m titling this series, Resisting The Devil. In my book, The Conditioned Mind, I spend a good amount of time in Chapter Seven on the characteristics, intentions, and methods of Satan. Look, if you want to overcome your enemy, you’re going to need to study him, learn his ways, so that you can most effectively counter his moves. Thus, I highly advise picking-up a copy of The Conditioned Mind and digging deeper into this matter.
Consider the following passage:
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24)
All too often, we develop habitually dysfunctional modes of thought and behavior as a result of our sin, as well as the sins of others perpetrated upon us. Yet, to be made new in the attitude of our mind, we must work to develop awareness of what our core issues in life are. The apostle Paul directed us to “put off falsehood and speak truthfully” (Ephesians 4:24). To do so, we must first get honest with ourselves. Unless we are willing to accept the truth about unresolved issues, we are not going to put off anything successfully; especially the lies of the devil. Our old ways of thinking and coping with life will persist on account of procedural memory. While freedom is ours in Christ, when we are affected in such ways by sin, we unwittingly submit to the enemy’s yoke of slavery because we lack the awareness and acceptance to cope with the truth. The apostle James wrote: “Be self-controlled and alert” (James 5:8, 9). But it is challenging to maintain such a state when we are conditioned to deny, repress, and rationalize.
Certainly, these factors are not just limited to our childhood. Even in adulthood, many people are affected by those around them who perpetrate sin. In like kind, people are affected by our sin as well. Regardless of when or how the sin occurs, it becomes an impossibility to resist the devil if we continue to practice self-deception. Our best option is to submit ourselves to God and pray that He will reveal the unresolved issues in our life that need to be dealt with. As He brings revelation, do not hesitate to seek professional help if needed. Kingdom Community Ministries offers eCounseling services (i.e., online counseling via realtime video sessions). Additionally, your pastor/minister, as well as The American Association of Christian Counselors, can serve as good resources for locating counselors in your area by following their link: FIND A CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR.
Portions of this post were excerpted from my book, The Conditioned Mind. To discover more about resisting the devil, click on the book title above. Have a blessed weekend. Peace!
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